Psychiatrist vs Therapist – Which Mental Health Professional Should You See?

Deciding whether to see a therapist or a psychiatrist can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure about the nature or severity of your concerns. At Success Health System, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this important choice and ensuring you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.

Deciding whether to see a therapist or a psychiatrist depends on the nature of your mental health needs. If you’re experiencing severe mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder that may require medication, a psychiatrist is the right choice. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication to treat complex or long-standing mental health issues. They are trained to address conditions that need pharmacological intervention or medical management.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with emotional challenges, life stress, relationship issues, or trauma, therapy with a licensed counselor or psychologist may be more appropriate. Therapists focus on providing talk therapy to help you manage emotions, cope with difficult situations, and develop coping strategies. If you’re unsure, many individuals benefit from seeing both a therapist for counseling and a psychiatrist for medication management, depending on their unique needs.

If you’re unsure which professional to see, starting with a therapist at Success Health System can be a helpful first step. Our therapists will assess your situation and, if needed, refer you to one of our psychiatrists for medication management or further evaluation. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Whether you start with a therapist or psychiatrist, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

At Success Health System, we understand that choosing the right mental health professional is an important step in your wellness journey. Many people wonder whether to see a psychiatrist or a therapist, and the answer often depends on their specific needs and symptoms. Someone might see a psychiatrist instead of a therapist for several reasons, mainly related to the need for medical intervention in managing mental health conditions. Here are a few key reasons:

Need for Medication: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. If someone requires medication to manage their symptoms, seeing a psychiatrist is essential, as therapists cannot prescribe medications.

Complex or Severe Conditions: Psychiatrists are trained to handle complex psychiatric disorders that may require both therapy and medication. If a person has a severe mental health condition or needs a comprehensive treatment plan that involves both psychotherapy and medication, a psychiatrist is well-equipped to provide this care.

Medical Assessment: Psychiatrists can perform medical assessments to rule out or address underlying physical causes of mental health symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances or neurological conditions. This medical perspective can be crucial for people experiencing significant changes in their mental health or behavior.

While therapists focus primarily on psychotherapy and counseling, psychiatrists offer a broader range of services, including diagnosis, medical treatment, and therapy. For many patients at Success Health System, the most effective approach involves collaboration between psychiatrists and therapists. This team-based model ensures that you receive both medical evaluation and ongoing therapeutic support, providing you with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and they can provide therapy sessions. However, their primary focus is often on medication management and medical aspects of treatment. Many psychiatrists, particularly those with additional training in psychotherapy, can offer therapy alongside prescribing medications, especially for complex psychiatric disorders.

On the other hand, therapists, such as psychologists and licensed counselors, primarily focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). They do not prescribe medications but use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals address emotional and psychological challenges. While psychiatrists can offer therapy, therapists typically specialize in psychotherapy and work alongside psychiatrists for comprehensive mental health care.

At Success Health System LLC, Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist, offers a holistic approach to mental health care. In addition to prescribing medication when necessary, Dr. Ambilichu provides therapy sessions tailored to each patient’s specific needs. His expertise in both medication management and psychotherapy ensures comprehensive care for patients with complex mental health conditions. Whether you’re seeking therapy, medication, or both, Dr. Ambilichu and his team are dedicated to supporting your mental health journey with personalized care.

At Success Health System, we understand that every patient’s mental health journey is unique. The frequency at which you may need to see a psychiatrist or a therapist depends on your individual needs, the nature of your mental health concerns, and the type of treatment you receive through our practice. The frequency with which patients need to see a psychiatrist versus a therapist depends on their specific mental health needs and treatment plans.

Psychiatrists: Typically, patients see a psychiatrist less frequently, especially after an initial assessment and treatment plan is in place. Psychiatric visits are usually scheduled every few weeks or months, depending on the need for medication management or follow-up for ongoing mental health conditions. Psychiatrists may also be involved in more complex cases that require medication adjustments or monitoring for conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

Therapists: Therapy sessions are often more frequent, typically occurring once a week or every other week, depending on the individual’s therapeutic goals and the severity of their symptoms. Therapy focuses on providing support, coping strategies, and behavioral interventions to manage emotions, stress, trauma, and personal challenges. Patients may continue therapy longer if they are working on deep-rooted issues or life transitions.

Ultimately, both roles complement each other, and a combination of psychiatrist and therapist visits may be recommended based on a patient’s treatment needs. At Success Health System, we tailor the frequency of your visits to both psychiatrists and therapists according to your symptoms, treatment plan, and how you are responding to care. Our team is dedicated to open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring your schedule of visits supports your mental health and helps you achieve lasting success and wellness.

Dr. Moses Tabe Ambilichu, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist at Success Health System LLC, takes a comprehensive approach to help patients select the right mental health professional based on their unique needs. His personalized guidance ensures that patients receive the most appropriate care, whether they are seeking therapy, medication management, or a combination of both. Here’s how Dr. Ambilichu supports his patients in making this important decision:

• Board-Certified Expertise: As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ambilichu brings extensive knowledge and clinical experience to help guide patients in their mental health journey.

• Thorough Initial Assessment: He conducts a detailed intake to understand the patient’s symptoms, history, and treatment goals.

• Type of Care Needed: Based on the assessment, he identifies whether the patient would benefit most from medication, therapy, or both.

• Professional Recommendations: Dr. Ambilichu advises whether a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor would be the best fit for the patient’s needs.

• Personal Preferences: He considers factors like telemedicine availability or in-person visits to meet the patient’s lifestyle preferences.

• Practical Considerations: Insurance coverage, location, and ease of access to services are factored in to ensure convenience and affordability.

• Collaboration and Continuity: Dr. Ambilichu works closely with patients, fostering a collaborative approach to treatment for long-term success.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Creve Coeur MO, Independence MO, and Columbia MO. We serve patients from Creve Coeur MO, Overland MO, Bridgeton MO, Independence MO, Raytown MO, Kansas City MO, Columbia MO, Shaw MO, Midway MO and surrounding areas.